Iranian Missiles Breach Israeli Defenses Amidst Escalating Conflict
A fierce exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran has caused significant damage, raising questions about the effectiveness of Israel’s advanced missile defense systems. Some Iranian projectiles have successfully penetrated Israeli defenses, igniting debate over the future of aerial warfare in the region.
The Scope of the Attacks
Following the commencement of Israeli air attacks on Friday, Iran unleashed retaliatory strikes. Iranian missiles have reached key targets inside Israel, circumventing missile defense systems. The escalating situation has resulted in over 240 fatalities in Iran, including women and children, and at least 24 deaths in Israel. Hundreds of Israelis have also suffered injuries, compelling citizens to seek refuge in bomb shelters.
How Iranian Missiles Are Getting Through
A crucial question is how Iranian missiles are bypassing Israeli defenses. The Iron Dome, a core component of Israel’s air defenses, is designed to intercept incoming rockets and missiles. Israel claims it has a 90 percent success rate. This system, complemented by other defense mechanisms, is intended to neutralize aerial threats. Nevertheless, some Iranian missiles have penetrated these defenses.
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“No system shoots down 100 percent [missiles] anyway,”
—Marina Miron, Postdoctoral Researcher
A recent report indicates that the cost of interceptor missiles used by Israel’s Iron Dome system is approximately $40,000 each, raising concerns about the sustainability of such intensive defense operations (Defense Industry Analysis 2025).
Decoys, Hypersonic Missiles, and More
One possible factor is the use of decoys to exhaust interceptor missiles. Also, Iran’s possession of hypersonic missiles poses another challenge. These missiles, due to their speed and maneuverability, are exceedingly difficult for air defense systems to neutralize. Cruise missiles, capable of altering their trajectory, can also slip past defenses. Some missiles have radar suppression tech making them hard to find.
The Broader Strategy
The conflict between Iran and Israel seems to be “attritional,” meaning a war of attrition. The distance between Iran and Israel is considerable. This distance poses challenges for Israeli aircraft, which might need aerial refueling. Questions persist about the number of missiles each side possesses to prolong the conflict.
